Police plan to continue to issue the citations, which they hope will help reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by careless bicyclists. In Winter Park last year there were 22 collisions between cyclists and motorists. One accident resulted in a death. This year there have been six collisions and no deaths.

Many cyclists are failing to take the enforcement policy seriously, police said.

''When we issue the cyclists a citation, they can't believe it. They think they shouldn't get a ticket. They're not aware they have the same rights and have to obey the same laws as a motorist,'' Lt. Dale Wasson said.

Wasson said just as a motorist would be penalized for not paying a traffic fine, failure to pay a fine issued for unsafe cycling can result in a mandatory court appearance. The bicycle can be impounded for up to 90 days.

The violation also will be recorded at the Division of Motor Vehicles and can prevent violators from obtaining a driver's license.

''No points will be made against your driving record, but the violation will be on file and will block your privilege to get a driver's license unless the ticket is paid and the court is satisfied,'' said Mary Hewitt, assistant driver's license examiner.

''Once the fine has been paid, everything's okay. But if the ticket is left overdue, even if you already have a driver's license, it will become a license suspension and a $25 suspension fee will be added to the fine,'' Hewitt said. Bicyclists' carelessness has been blamed on a lack of public education, police said. To improve the situation, presentations on bike safety are being made at schools.